The UTMB World Series returns to the French Riviera for six races from the mountains to the sea.
(Photo: Courtesy UTMB World Series)
Published September 22, 2025 02:14PM
Long a beloved escape by those seeking a sophisticated, Mediterranean flare, Nice, France, has recently gained attention beyond beach-goers. The iconic Promenade des Anglais has served as the finish line to the Ironman World Championship for the past three years, and now for the fourth time, Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB.
On September 25-28, Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB will bring together nearly 6,300 runners across six races for the biggest trail running event in the French Riviera. Runners begin in the serenity of the high mountains of Mercantour National Park—a renowned biodiversity hot spot with pristine glacial lakes punctuating alpine valleys—and end in the bustling metropolis of museums and private yachts.
As a UTMB World Series event, the top three women and men in the 100-mile, 100K, and 50K races will earn automatic entries into the finals at UTMB Mont-Blanc next summer. All finishers will also earn the Running Stones requisite to enter to the UTMB Mont-Blanc lottery. And you can watch the action unfold, as well as marvel in the dreamy and diverse scenery, live and for free on Outside TV.
Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB Courses
Across four primary race distances—100 miles, 100K, 50K, and 20K—plus a right relay and youth race, Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB showcases the jaw-dropping diversity of the French Riviera. From the soaring mountains of Mercantour National Park to technical coastline trails with sweeping views of the sea, these races pack a gorgeous yet sneaky punch in paradise.
100-Miler
The point-to-point 98.7-mile race starts in the ski village of Auron in the Maritime Alps at 5,200-feet and ends at the sea. While it’s over 5,000 feet net downhill, the course still boasts about 27,000 feet of climbing. Runners quickly make their way to the highpoint on the course at over 8,700-feet. After winding through chestnut forests and tracing the Tinéee River, racers traverse the iconic ridges of the Mercantour massif. Four more mountains later, Mont Leuze, Mont Vinaigrier, Mont Alban, and Mont Boron, and down a final steep staircase and they’ll find themselves on the sea at the finish line on the Promenade des Anglais.
100K
Runners be warned, the 100K distance actually includes a bonus 7K for a total of 66.3 miles with 15,000 feet of climbing and 19,000 feet of descent. The race starts in Roubion, a small village built on the side of a cliff in the south of the Mercantour National Park, before quickly joining up with the final two-thirds of the 100-mile course.
50K
The 50K (which is actually a 54K, or 33.3 miles) starts at the mythical Col d’Eze at 1,610 feet and makes a big loop through the mountains above Monaco before finishing in Nice for a total of 6,000 feet of climbing and over 7,600 feet of descent. Starting from Grande Corniche Departmental Park, the 50K winds around the Fort de la Revère and climbs above La Turbie to the Cime de Cabanelle at nearly 3,600 feet. The race tops out at the Epaule de la Cime du Baudon at nearly 4,000 feet with panoramic views over the Mercantour, the French Riviera, and the Mediterranean. The descent takes runners to the hilltop villages of Peille and Peillon, then along an old irrigation canal, where racers will join the 100K and 100-mile courses over the final four mountains to the finish on the Promenade des Anglais.
20K
The 20K (actually 22K, or 13.8 miles) starts at the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and makes a tour of the peninsula and back to Nice by way of coastal trails with one big climb up and over Plateau Saint Michel in the middle for a total of about 2,000 feet of climbing and descent. Like all four races, the 20K ends with tagging Mont Vinaigrier, Mont Alban, and Mont Boron and runners make their way down to the finish on the Promenade des Anglais.
Where to Eat
As the second largest city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Nice offers a never-ending supply of delicious food ranging from Neapolitan-style pizza to fresh seafood. You’ll also find hole-in-the-wall bakeries, gelato on every corner, and an abundance of Indian food. Here are a few of our favorite places from recent travels to the city.
Bakery: Zielinska
4-6 Jules Gilly Street, 06000 Nice
Half a mile from the finish line you’ll find Zielinska tucked into an alley in Old Nice. This women-owned bakery uses ancient grains to conjure up otherworldly delicious breads, pastries, breakfast dishes, and lunch. Try a fruit brioche, the egg, bacon, and cheese breakfast sandwich, and some freshly squeezed orange juice. And say hi to Dominika Zielinska herself, who will be behind the counter dressed in a frock and a hand band just like the lady on the bakery’s equally charming logo.
Pizza: Acqua & Farina
39 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice, France
Nice is both a thriving local town and a bustling tourist attraction. That means you’ll find watered-down restaurants geared towards tourists and local gems off the beaten path. If you’re seeking the latter, check out Acqua & Farina in the heart of Old Nice just off the Promenade des Anglais. The Neapolitan-style pizza comes thin, crispy, and adorned with top-shelf toppings. Be prepared to communicate with your server in French or pantomime.
Gelato
1 Rue Jules Gilly, 06300 Nice, France
It’s the Mediterranean, you’ll find multiple gelaterias on every corner. May we suggest you stop at one, or several. Right down the street from Acqua & Farina, Terre Adélice dishes up 100 percent organic gelato in all the classic flavors and plenty of exotic options.
Where to Go
While you’ll see a steady stream of runners, cyclists, walkers, and rollerbladers gliding up and down the Promenade des Anglais, go just a few steps away from the sea and you’ll find a hidden trove of hills and trails—many of which the 6,000 Nice Côte d’Azur competitors will tackle over the weekend.
Colline du Château
Right next to the finish line you’ll find the Colline du Château (“Castle Hill”) overlooking the city. A relatively quick bop up a long flight of stairs cut into the hillside leads to a scenic panoramic overlook with views of the city, the sea, and the mountains sprawling into the distance. Watch racers here on their final climb before crossing the finish line below.
Mont Boron
Make it to the top of Mont Boron (720 feet) via the beautifully wooded trails on foot or on the road by bike or car and you’ll be rewarded with even more epic views and the imposing and well-preserved Fort du Mont Alban, a military installation constructed in the 16th century. Bonus: the races come right past here, so you can cheer on runners during their final climb before a fast descent to the finish line.
Monaco
Drool over 400-foot yachts, five-mast sailboats, and Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLarens galore in Monaco. It’s just a 35-minute train ride from Nice, a fun bike ride, or an epic run. Avoid crowds on the train by making your way back to Nice before 4 P.M.
How to Watch
The action kicks off with the 100-mile race at 1:00 p.m. local time on Friday, September 26, followed by the 100K and 50K on Saturday and the 20K on Sunday. The races will be broadcasted live, for free, on Outside TV starting on September 26 at 12:40 p.m. local time (6:40 a.m. ET/3:40 a.m. PT).
Busy running or sleeping during the excitement? No sweat. Catch the replays anytime on Outside TV.
